Open burning kicks off Friday

Open burning in the East Fork Fire District starts Friday with new hours.

Douglas County plans to alter its ordinance on Thursday to allow burners to start two hours earlier.

"The state has given us permission to start burning at 7 a.m.," said East Fork Fire & Paramedic Districts Deputy Chief Steve Eisele. "The new ordinance permits us to change the start time when weather permits."

Eisele said the earlier hours will give people more time to complete burning by the 3 p.m. deadline.

"A lot of people are more comfortable with starting earlier in the morning, so they can get their burning done before the winds pick up."

Eisele said that's important because even with cooler weather, the lack of recent moisture has left vegetation very dry.

"We haven't had a great deal of moisture in the last few weeks," he said. "The vegetation will still burn fairly well even though it's colder."

Anyone seeking to participate in open burning needs to obtain a form from any East Fork Fire & Paramedic Districts station, the district offices on County Road or online at www.eastforkfire.org.

The form contains the procedures and regulations for open burning. Open burning typically lasts until mid-December.

Burners are reminded to call the number on the form to inform dispatch they're burning or they'll probably get a visit from firefighters.

Anyone with questions should visit the Web site, or call the district offices at 782-9040.